A Journey of Resilience and Hope - The Chernyshenko Family's story
Families fleeing for their safety have endured the trauma of the war in Ukraine. Those that have fled, and those that remain, need your support as the full-scale war continues past three years.30th October 2024
Mission Without Borders' Canadian National Director, James Carroll, had the privilege of interviewing the Chernyshenko family about their experience fleeing the war in Ukraine as the three-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches. This is their story.
Three years ago, on February 24, 2022, the world watched in shock as Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For many, it was a distant conflict, but for the Chernyshenko family from Irpin, it was the beginning of a harrowing journey of survival and resilience.
Irpin, a town just 8 km from Kyiv and close to the now infamous town Bucha, was home to Vlad, Kateryna, their then 5-year-old twin daughters Polina and Yeva, and their beloved dog, Archy. Vlad, a self-employed construction worker, and Kateryna, a nurse at the local hospital, had built a happy life for themselves with an apartment near the center of town.
The First Attempt to Escape
On the morning of February 24, 2022, as the sounds of explosions echoed through Irpin, the Chernyshenko family decided to flee. With little gas in their car and gas stations destroyed by the initial attacks, their first attempt to leave was thwarted. They returned home, hoping for a safer opportunity, praying they would survive.
A Miraculous Escape
As the conflict intensified, the family made a second attempt on February 27. They tried to take the main road but found the bridge destroyed. In a desperate move, they turned around and drove towards Gostomel, directly against Russian troops. Miraculously, they were not fired upon, even though many fleeing civilians were tragically shot and killed by Russian troops during that time.
Vlad said he feels his family was led and protected by God during their journey to safety, especially when they came up against advancing Russian troops as so many others didn’t make it, losing their lives on the side of the road.
By taking a small village road, the Chernyshenko family managed to escape Irpin and reach their friends in a nearby village. With some gas from their friends, they continued their journey west to Vinnitsa, where they stayed with their parents for two months.
Returning to a Devastated Home
When Ukrainian forces liberated Irpin, the family returned, only to find their beloved town in ruins. Destruction everywhere. Despite the devastation, they tried to rebuild their lives in Irpin. However, when Kyiv came under even more missile attacks, they made the hard decision to flee the violence again.
A New Beginning in Poland and Canada
The Chernyshenko family initially fled to safety to Poland, where they lived for two months before making their way to Canada on September 16, 2022. Once in Canada, Vlad found work as a tiling specialist, and Kateryna became a doctor's assistant. They began to rebuild their lives once more, finding hope and stability in their new home.
With the family safe from the violence of war, Kateryna says the girls still remember home and their lives in Ukraine, hoping to return again someday.
"They say like, oh, you know what, mom? One day when the war will be over, we will go back to our teachers, you know, to our school, to the fruit trees," Kateryna said through Anatoliy Shevchuk, a Mission Without Borders Canada board member who translated for them from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Anatoliy knows Ukraine well as he used to work for Mission Without Borders in Ukraine before he and his family moved to Canada. He is also a pastor of a small church in Winnipeg that helps Ukrainian families that have fled the war and are temporarily living in Canada.
Kateryna and Vlad are grateful they have had the ability to escape the violence of war. "(We're thankful) that our kids are in a safe place. We don't need to run to the basement, you know, to hide for our lives together with them. We are very happy that you know it's a peaceful place. It's a very peaceful place," Kateryna said.
Leaving Friends and Family Behind
Leaving Ukraine was not their first choice, but it was the safest option for the Chernyshenkos as the war continues on past the three-year mark and deadly attacks are increasing. Vlad says it is hard to think of what their the friends and family that remain in Ukraine are going through, both physically and mentally.
"My cousin lives in the middle of the country in Cherkasy and he's always kind of on edge. Especially with the possibility of being conscripted into the army. He's been checked couple times, but he cannot serve. But still, you know, it's very hard emotionally and on his nerves," Vlad said through Anatoliy.
I want to say 'thank you' to Canadians and to Canada for sheltering us for giving us chance to live in a peaceful and very good life. We thank you for that. But at the same time, we just want to say that war is not over....Kateryna Chernyshenko
Thankful for the Support of Canadians
Deeply appreciative of the support they have found in Canada, the Chernyshenkos hope support for Ukraine will continue despite growing geo-political chaos.
"First of all I want to say 'thank you' to Canadians and to Canada for sheltering us for giving us chance to live in a peaceful and very good life. We thank you for that. But at the same time, we just want to say that war is not over. We would appreciate if Canada and others can help Ukraine withstand and win this war because this Ukraine is our motherland. It's like our mom, you know, our country," Kateryna says.
"For us, it's very painful to see that Ukrainians fighting and losing their lives, and with the world in a way, just standing and watching, you know?" says Kateryna.
She says they and all of Ukraine continue to pray for international support and resources to bring a quick end to the war as they're aware Ukraine doesn’t have the ability to do it alone.
A Call For Action - How You Can Help
The story of the Chernyshenko family is just one of many. Millions of families have been displaced, their lives turned upside down by the war in Ukraine. As we mark the three-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion, we remember the resilience and courage of those affected.
Mission Without Borders is dedicated to supporting families struggling in the midst of war in Ukraine. Your donation can make a significant difference, providing essential aid and support to families that are searching for help, hope, and stability.
